SAN MARCOS, TX — Texas State softball head coach Ricci Woodard has announced the addition of five student-athletes to her program's latest signing class: Dani Laughlin, Peyton Young, Madison Azua, Abigail Jennings and Halee Vance. 

"This group will help us do a little bit of everything across the board in the coming years," Woodard said. "With an outfielder, two pitchers, catcher, and a true utility player making up this class, we have added pieces at positions that are strong now, so when these five arrive on campus, they'll be learning from cornerstones of our program." 

Dani Laughlin | 5'3" | L/L | OF | Riverside, Iowa
 
Laughlin, a 5-foot-3 outfielder, was a 2022 Iowa state champion as a member of the Iowa City Regina Catholic softball program … as a junior, led her high school softball team with a .500 batting average and was second with a .574 on-base percentage while scoring 15 runs … a member of the 2022 Iowa state playoff all-tournament team … a 2020 all-state selection … a 2019 all-region honoree … was an all-region basketball selection … also a member of her high school's volleyball, soccer and track programs … earned Gold Honor Roll (All A's) status … a member of the Iowa Premier club softball team
 
"Dani will be one of those players who are truly hard to defend.  Her ability to be a triple threat at the plate will be a very valuable addition to our lineup.  I'm excited to watch her pick apart the opponent every game," – Ricci Woodard 
 
Peyton Young | 5'6" | L/R | UTL | Forney, Texas
 
Young, a 5-foot-6 utility player, exceled during her time at Rockwall Heath High School, where she was a first-team all-district selection on and off the diamond … also selected to the school's A & B Honor Roll … a member of the Bombers Gold Vasquez club softball team … earned two first-team all-tournament honors at the Glory Summer Shootout and Colorado Sparkler (Power Pool) on the travel softball scene … had the top batting average on the team to go along with the sixth most hits and seven highest RBI
 
"Peyton is the definition of a true utility player.  We feel she can come in and help us out anywhere in the infield and the outfield.  Her athleticism will be fun to coach every day," – Ricci Woodard
 
Madison Azua | 5'10" | R/L | P | Round Rock, Texas
 
Azua was a two-time District 25-6A Most Valuable Player at Round Rock High School, where she also earned the program's most valuable player award the last two seasons … awarded the Lady Dragon Softball Golden Glove award in 2020 … became the first softball pitcher in Round Rock High School history to surpass 500 strikeouts … a member of the 18U Hotshots National Nelson … an IDT 18U National Champion … PGF National 16U Champion … a Top Gun Invitational 18U Champion
 
"Madi is going to be a huge addition to our pitching staff.  We can't wait to watch her compliment an already tough staff.  The ceiling for potential is unlimited for this young lady," – Ricci Woodard
 
Abigail Jennings | 5'11" | R/R | P | Flower Mound, Texas
 
Jennings helped guide Flower Mound High School to the state quarterfinals in 2021 … nominated to the Harvard Congress of future medical leaders for academic achievement … Jammin' Jag award winner for academic achievemtn … Principal Award recipient … member of the National Honor Society … a member of the Texas Glory club softball program … helped the Texas Glory to a win the championship game at the Colorado Sparkler tournament in 2021, when she was also the most valuable player of the game
 
"Abigail is the pitcher who will produce a ton of ground balls for us in the future. She is a very mature young lady that will only grow as an athlete because of that maturity. We are looking forward to getting her in a Bobcat uniform and watching her growth," – Ricci Woodard
 
Halee Vance | 5'7" | L/R | C | Cypress, Texas
 
During her time at Cypress Woods High School, Vance was a two-time first-team all-district selection … also earned all-state status … in the classroom, earned honor roll honors … a member of the Impact Gold Elder 18U club softball program
 
Halee will be exciting to watch as she controls our pitching staff.  She is a fun energetic player who plays with a ton of passion for the game.  We are also looking forward to watching her produce somewhere in the middle of the lineup because of her extra base hit potential from the left side of the plate," – Ricci Woodard 
 
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